Knee Arthroscopy Aftercare.

Discharge.

• You may go home when you have recovered from the anaesthetic and are feeling fit and strong.
• You should not drive a vehicle for 24 hours.
• You should be able to walk when you leave hospital but you may need crutches. The amount of discomfort varies depending on your diagnosis and the operative findings.
• Usually Panadol or Panedene tablets are sufficient for pain.

After discharge:

1. Remove the bandage after two to three days. There will be small strips covering the wounds. Allow them to fall off in their own time.
2. Keep the wounds clean and dry. You may use Band-Aids if you wish.
3. You should keep the knee supported with the bandage or an elasticated knee support until the swelling has subsided.
4. Swelling may take up to 2 weeks to subside. An ice pack may help.
5. If your knee becomes increasingly painful, swollen and inflamed or you feel feverish or generally unwell, see your doctor as soon as possible.  

Activities:

• 1. Most people do not need physiotherapy after arthroscopy.
  2. You are encouraged to do “Straight Leg Raising” exercises and bending exercises as soon as possible. To do Straight Leg Raises, lie on your back on the bed and keeping your leg straight, lift it off the bed about six inches and hold it there for a count of 5. Repeat as often as tolerated.
  3. Swimming and cycling are good for your knee. You may start swimming once your wounds are healed (about one week).
  4. Using an Exercise Bicycle is good for your knee. Make sure that the resistance setting is as low as possible so that cycling is easy and vary the height of the seat both up and down each time you use the cycle.
  5. Return to work times vary depending on what work you do. If you are office based, you may be back at work within two to three days. If you are involved in manual labour or are on your feet a lot it may take a little longer before you are ready for work.

Home | About Your Condition

The information on these pages is presented as a rough guide to help you understand your condition better. The information is in no way intended to be a comprehensive coverage of the subject. As all patients and their conditions are different, the treatment may vary from time to time. All patients are encouraged to take steps to ensure that they are as well educated about their conditions as possible. Other sources of information inc

Philip Allen Orthopaedic
P PO Box 1089, Coolangatta, QLD, 4225, Australia
T +61 7 55980977  F +61 7 55980016 E allen@bonedoctor.com.au
www.bonedoctor.com.au